Substation Macclesfield

Bouldering in Macclesfield

Substation Macclesfield is an indoor bouldering centre on Queen's Avenue, a short drive from the western edge of the Peak District. It is the original site of the Substation brand, which also runs a centre in Brixton, London.

The main floor has bouldering for every level, from easy circuits to steep, harder problems, and an upstairs mezzanine is popular with younger and newer climbers. First-timers sign a waiver and watch a safety video before climbing, and can book a 30-minute introduction with an instructor, with shoe hire and chalk included.

Facilities

• Gym: free weights, a deadlift station, dumbbells, cable machines, a treadmill and a rowing machine.
• Yoga studio alongside the climbing.
• Café and bar: speciality coffee, toasties, cakes and local beers, with hand-stretched pizza at weekends and on bank holidays.
• Showers, lockers, changing rooms and a free private car park.
• A retail area stocking climbing kit.

Coaching and events

Kids' clubs run for ages 5 to 16, including NICAS, and adults can book private or small-group coaching. Under-18s need an adult supervisor (one adult per two children) unless 14 to 17-year-olds have passed the centre's assessment. The centre runs a weekly Tuesday social, an annual Halloween UV party and its Subzero winter competition.